Eczema can cause a rash, swelling, bumps, and generalized areas of darkened, leathery skin. Severe eczema can even ooze and crust over. Eczema Symptoms; Affects flexural skin surfaces Causes intense itching May cause scaling or flaking Can ooze and crust over Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.